This is a fascinating book. It is told from the point of view of a woman who becomes a courtesan and deals with her resulting intrigues, fits of conscience and relationships along the way. In many ways it reminds me of Madame Bovary and Therese Raquin as they also detail a woman's life and ultimate misery as a result of actions - some of which were foisted on her, rather than of her own choosing. Defoe invokes sympathy for his heroine by outlining how women of some means and intelligence had little actual powere. He details the arcane ways in which property and money were transferred and persons with an interest in law will recognise a lot of Byzantine terms used in this business. He is at his best when outlining how guilt must be waged against the requirement to make stark choices. The culmination of the book in which she tries to hide from her daughter so as not to divulge her past is compelling and pulls you in. Her faithful companion who helps her over in her affairs adds to the magic of this book. The language is straightforward and the story is perfectly crafted. A superb read that will entice anyone with an interest in historical literature.